Targeting lipidic nanocarriers: current strategies and problems

Summary : Lipid-based nanocarriers have emerged as versatile systems for the protection and delivery of active molecules including gene and peptide-based drugs, cosmetics and nutraceuticals. One of the main attributes of lipidic nanocarriers is the possibility of targeting them to the site where their effect is required. Targeting bioactives to the location in which their effect is required is necessary to attain adequate concentration for their optimum efficacy at the target site. To date, research has mainly focused on targeting bioactives inside the body, for instance to the site of infection or to a tumour tissue. However, it is also important to have nanocarriers with in vitro targeting ability, for example to target antimicrobials in systems such as food or within reaction vessels. In this review we will address the most promising approaches and existing barriers to selective targeting of lipid-based nanocarrier systems. The lipidic carrier systems explained here are liposomes, nanoliposomes, micelles, nanocochleates and archaeosomes.